They’re no dumb belles (From Bournemouth Echo)

They’re no dumb belles

8:30am Friday 5th February 2010 in

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IT’S from Russia with tough love. Although it might look like a teapot without a spout, the kettlebell is essentially a cannonball with a handle – and it’s the latest must-have weapon in the battle of the bulge.

The kettlebell work-out is a discipline originally from Russia, which works the whole body and can burn around 500 calories in a 30-minute session.

And it’s already a big hit in Hollywood of course – finely-honed fans include Jennifer Aniston, Madonna, Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Lopez.

Here in the UK sales of the bells have increased by 30 per cent each year for the past two years, and classes are springing up all over the country.

Personal trainer Sue Gorringe has just launched a kettlebells class on Tuesday evenings at Rossmore Leisure Centre in Poole and plans to include DW Sport and Purbeck Sports Centre in the near future too.

“It’s for all ages and abilities,” she explains. “It’s a whole body work-out.

“The unique design means the centre of gravity constantly pulls you towards the floor, making your body, your core, work a lot harder during a workout in order to stabilise you.

“It can also potentially help get rid of lower back pain due to muscle weakness.

“Your body is forced to be used as one whole unit, revealing weak spots and fixing them.”

Sue has a wide range of different weights, starting at around 4kg which you swing repeatedly and lift overhead, working all the key muscle groups in the body at the same time.

“For the ladies out there that are worried about bulking up, kettlebell training is great for shedding unwanted fat and leaving you looking lean and toned.

“Men tend to build up more muscle because of testosterone, but women will just look more toned.

“It can significantly boost your metabolism, as a lot of muscles are used at the same time, and they will all need an energy supply... which in turn will burn more calories.

“The results are fast and effective so you don't need to spend hours in the gym because you are getting a cardio, core and resistance work-out all at the same time.”